Heaven Refining physique Chapter 220: Tidewind City

Before long, a trio of cultivators approached, seeking to claim the prime spots. After all, cultivators at the Qi Refinement stage were generally considered the weakest, making it a foregone conclusion that they shouldn't occupy the most advantageous positions.

On the entirety of this vessel, only Jiang Hao and Yao Ying were found to be in the Qi Refinement realm.

"You two, move aside."

Jiang Hao let out a sigh, truly not in the mood for any confrontation. Nowadays, he found himself preferring minimal engagement over complete disregard.

"Why?" he inquired politely, though his tone seemed to elicit a different reaction from these cultivators.

"Oh? A mere Qi Refinement cultivator dares question me? It appears this is your first time using these boats... Did you know, I could simply kill you and cast you overboard for defying me?

Those spots are designated solely for those possessing the fortitude to claim them, and seizing them from the weak is the established order here. You should count yourself fortunate, for unlike others, I've even afforded you an explanation—many would have simply dispatched you on the spot.

Now, step aside. Do not test my patience. While I won't end your life, I will assuredly hurl you into the unforgiving sea."

Jiang Hao regarded the cultivator with a calm gaze. He identified the man as being in the Soul Sea realm, with his companions in the Core Formation realm.

"Since you are demonstrating such magnanimity, I shall reciprocate... seek your fortune elsewhere. Because if you persist in claiming this spot, I shall toss you into the sea myself, sans the courtesy of a swift death."

The three cultivators were momentarily stunned. Not just them—even the cultivators situated nearby looked on in disbelief. The cultivator who had addressed Jiang Hao initially appeared amused, then burst into uproarious laughter.

"Hahahaha... Excellent, excellent. It seems my considerate words are not being appreciated. Perhaps donning that mask has emboldened you like a dragon, but you seem to forget... courage is merely courage. It does not imbue you with greater strength."

Without further ado, the cultivator advanced directly towards Jiang Hao. He was utterly convinced that Jiang Hao would be incapable of reacting. However, in a sudden turn of events, he felt his hand seized. Before he could even process what had transpired, he experienced a forceful tug, and the world around him dissolved into a blur.

Jiang Hao channeled sufficient force into his grip and unceremoniously flung the cultivator into the sea.

The entire sequence unfolded with such startling rapidity that observers merely registered the cultivator's disappearance before hearing a resounding splash in the water.

A moment of confusion rippled through the onlookers before their gazes shifted towards the sea. It appeared as though a substantial object had been submerged. Suddenly, the unspoken implication dawned on everyone. The fact that the cultivator had vanished and simultaneously something had entered the ocean simultaneously sent a shiver down their spines.

The realization that Jiang Hao hadn't even been observed to move signified a level of strength far beyond their comprehension. Unconsciously, they edged further away from him.

The remaining two cultivators trembled internally. They immediately inclined their heads in a gesture of deference.

"Senior, we harbored no intention of usurping your spot; it was our senior brother who compelled us to approach... we are more than content to remain in the middle section."

"Indeed, Senior, it was entirely our senior brother's transgression," both echoed in unison.

Abruptly, the sea's surface churned, and a cultivator erupted from the depths, his right arm hanging limply, as if grievously injured.

And so it was. The bones in the very spot where Jiang Hao had gripped him may have disintegrated into dust—he had clearly not held back his power.

The cultivator, now back near the ship's railing, immediately bowed towards Jiang Hao with palpable fear. He understood he had made a grave error, one that could have cost him his life had Jiang Hao not exercised restraint.

"Senior, this junior was utterly blind... I thank you for your mercy." His voice quivered with apprehension.

Jiang Hao offered a slight nod. "Heed this warning next time; appearances can be profoundly deceiving."

The cultivator felt a wave of relief that Jiang Hao did not seem overly angered. This encounter had undeniably etched an unforgettable lesson into his memory. From this moment forward, he vowed never to judge an individual based solely on their cultivation realm. Unless absolutely certain, he would refrain from even engaging in conversation, let alone issuing insults.

The cultivator returned to the deck, his gaze falling upon his two junior brothers. They studiously avoided his eyes. What guilt did they carry?

"Not a word of this to anyone."

"Understood, Senior Brother."

...

Following this incident, no one dared to approach Jiang Hao and Yao Ying. Should anyone contemplate it, others would swiftly issue warnings long before they reached their vicinity.

Initially perplexed, those who witnessed these interventions consistently chose to retreat, observing the collective caution.

Once all ticket holders had successfully boarded, the vessel finally commenced its journey towards the Central Region.

Jiang Hao couldn't help but note the considerable number of individuals heading towards the Central Region. However, one point remained unclear to him: if they were denied entry into the core area, why undertake the journey at all?

He was certain the answer would become apparent upon reaching their final destination. Yet, possessing an individual who could readily provide the sought-after information, why delay the gratification?

His gaze shifted to the trio of cultivators, causing them to visibly tremble. They hadn't positioned themselves very far from him.

"One of you, come here."

After an exchange of glances, the cultivator in the Soul Sea realm let out a sigh and stepped forward. His injured arm had already been treated with a vitality pill.

"Senior, do you require something?" he inquired with a bow.

"Tell me, what is your purpose in journeying to the Central Region?"

The Soul Sea realm cultivator appeared slightly perplexed but responded nonetheless.

"We are seeking resources, Senior. Such resources are exclusively obtainable within the Central Region. While the majority can be purchased directly, some must be earned by undertaking specific missions."

Jiang Hao studied him, then asked, "So, you will be granted entry into the Central Region?"

A flicker of understanding dawned in the eyes of the Soul Sea cultivator. "Senior, it is indeed your first visit. No, we would not be permitted direct entry into the Central Region itself. However, the outskirts of Tidewind City are accessible."

"Senior, Tidewind City is the very port city we are making our way to. The reason so many cultivators flock there is that the city lies closer to the Eastern Region than to the heart of the Central Region."

"In actuality, a significant portion of the city's inhabitants hail from the Eastern Region. Naturally, we are restricted to a stay of no more than one month, and only cultivators below the Heavenly King Realm are permitted entry."

"You see, most of the prominent sects within the Central Region have established branch sects in this city. It is rumored that these branches were founded to safeguard their teleportation arrays, which provide them access to the Eastern Region from that very location."